Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Nielsen is calling their first year-over-year comparison of spring radio ratings "the most inclusive sample available in the radio measurement marketplace." The study measuring radio listening was conducted in March and April among 115,672 consumers representing a population of 14 million. "Nielsen's address-based sampling (ABS) captured all listeners regardless of whether they have a landline phone, cell phone only, or no phone at all - ensures that the ratings are based on the most reliable representation of the population in the 51 local radio metros." Now let's look at the findings of this all-inclusive study...To no one's surprise the study shows that listeners age 25 to 54 continue to be the most desirable demo in the land. What was surprising was the strength of cell phone only (CPO) households which continue to listen at a higher rate than the 12+ population. An estimated 16.3% of households are cell phone only, or no phone at all. Listening among persons age 18 to 34 remains consistent with their counterparts age 12 and over. While the amount of listening in the 51 markets showed a slight uptick over 2009, the places where people listen to radio have remained virtually unchanged. Car listening tops the list with an estimated 40% of listening among persons 12+, next at 34% of listening takes place at home and 23% of listening is at work. CPO listeners skew even higher at work with 28.5% tuning in on the job...Sooooo programmers, based on these year-over-year numbers supplied by Nielsen, you better be providing enough traffic information not only in drive-time but at all hours of the day when there are major traffic problems. You better be including at least 20% of cell phone only customers in your promotions. Finally, with 23 to 28% of your audience listening at work, your focus should be on car listeners first, at home next and at work last in that order...10 Timeline Memories: 1.1945] Empire is hit: A U.S. bomber crashes into the 79th floor of the Empire State Building, killing 14 and injuring 26. The building only sustained minor damage...2.1973] Wedding Bells:Lee Majors and Farrah Fawcetttie the knot. The couple separates in 1979 in an "on-again, off-again" relationship...3.1978] Heeeeeeee's back: At Old Timer's Day at Yankee Stadium it's announced that Billy Martinwill return as Yankee manager in 1979 (I remember being at this game. My jaw didn't shut for a week after this bizarre announcement)...4.1987] So Sue me: The remaining members of the Beatles and Yoko Ono sue Nike from using "Revolution" in one of its sneaker ads without permission or paying for it. An out-of-court settlement is made at an undisclosed amount...1995] A settlement returns the rights to Jimi Hendrix'sestate to his father. The ruling includes all unmastered tapes, concert recordings, photographs and other personal possessions...5.1991] A pair of perfectos: Texas pitcher Kenny Rogerspitches a perfect game against California, 4-0...1994] Three years to the date in 1994, the next perfect game is pitched by Montreal's Dennis Martinezagainst the Dodgers...6.1995] A life sentence: A jury in Union (SC) rejects the death penalty forSusan Smith, sentencing her instead to life in prison for drowning her 2 young sons...7.1998] Blanket immunity: Monica Lewinskyis given blanket immunity from prosecution in exchange for grand jury testimony in the investigation of her, uh, relationship with President Bill Clinton...8.1999] Curtains: Detroit running backBarry Sanders, in the prime of his career, retires after 10 years at the age of 31 (a lot of teams would sign him today if they could)...2000] Kathie Lee Giffordmakes her final appearance as co-host of "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" (Sheeeeeee's back but this time Reeg lucked out)...9.2002] Tour de Lance: Lance Armstrongwins his 4th consecutive Tour de France...10.2004] Kerry's the one: The Democratic National Convention in Boston nominates Massachusetts Senator John Kerryfor president (Vietnam veterans drop what they're doing and call information for the number of the White House)...

About Me

Mel Phillips Now & Then is more Now. The Then always follows the Now. Prior to starting 'Remembers' in 2005 and 'Now & Then' on April 7, 2008 I enjoyed a multi-media career which included being one of the Bill Drake program directors. I was involved in the programming of such legendary stations as WOR-FM, WXLO-FM, WNBC, WRKO AM & FM and KQV. I was also General Manager of Hooper Radio, played disc jockey in markets such as Tampa, Nashville, Norfolk and Atlantic City and enjoyed marketing success in syndicated radio for several companies including ABC, MJI and United Stations. My background also includes the music business where I promoted such diverse CBS acts as The Clash, Gloria Estefan, Loverboy, Judas Priest, George Michael & Julio Iglesias. In Special Programming at WCBS-FM I wrote and produced numerous specials and interviewed some of the biggest recording stars. In addition to this post I'm a regular contributor to Radio Daily News. My wife Diane and I reside on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and I'm very proud of my children, Robert Phillips, Lynn Phillips Brough and granddaughters Allyson and Amy...